Deep clean engine compartment

[Suprnova74]

I had a failed valve cover gasket install spray about 1/2 to 1 quart of oil out the back of the valve cover all over the engine compartment.

Any recommendations on how to get deep in there to clean it up? I sprayed engine degreaser where I could reach and used an old toilet brush to get as far as I could but I still am smelling burning oil from where ever it sprayed down deep into the backside of the engine. Any tips/tools are appreciated

 

[JTee2017]

There are some good Youtube videos on how to . .

For me, I use Black Majic Bleche White tire cleaner . . . yes. . tire cleaner. It is like a very strong Fantastic or 409 type cleaner. You can get it in a 1 gallon jug and then get a 32 ounce spray bottle or use on from some other cleaner after rinsing it out.
First. . start with a cold or at least, just warm engine. Not hot form just running.
Cover the Alternator with a couple plastic bags form grocery or other store. Alos cover or wrap many of the electrical plug and connectors in Saran type plastic wrap. It works well to keep too much water from getting inside them even though they are "water resistant".

Then, start spraying the worst oily areas well and let the cleaner sit while you spray the entire engine bay down. You may find the cleaner starts to dry a bit, so just spray on some more. Then, get a 3" or 4" paint brush and kind of gently scrub the areas you sprayed. . starting with the cleanest areas first so as not to spread the oil. Use a garden hose at the same time set on a fine mist or spray to aid in brushing the cleaner rinsing as you go. Then work your way over to the worst areas. . . maybe spray more cleaner again and use the brush and hose to remove and rinse away the grime.
You may have to spray some cleaner on the brush as you go to keep it free of built up oil film so as not to smear oily grime even more.
Repeat in the worst areas if needed.
Then, get or borrow a power leaf blower and use it on LOW speed to dry the engine bay as much as possible. Do not use a HIGH speed air flow.
Finally, get a sponge or paper towels to blot or sop up puddles in low areas, connectors, under the battery, etc.

 

[Leroy Jenkins]

1.) I always clean a COOL engine. Definitely not recommended to clean a hot engine with cool water for obvious reasons.

2.) Cover electrical components and connectors.

3.) I use Super Clean aerosol can (purple can, black cap, white letters)

4.) I spray the entire engine bay and let the foam work on the grime for about 10 mins. During this time I will agitate the engine bay with a detailing brush.

5.) I use a electric pressure washer with a 40 degree tip and hose the engine bay down from about 2 feet away. You could easily do this with a water hose and get the same results.

6.) I like to use my leaf blower to blow out any standing water and help dry the area.

7.) Uncover all the aforementioned electrical components.

8.) Take an all-purpose cleaner (I use Chemical Guys APC) and a detail brush and start the fine detailing of the previously covered areas. You could also do this before the cleaning but I prefer doing it after just in case my cover job wasn't perfect.

Total time it takes me to cover, clean, uncover, and detail: 45 mins - 1 hour.